How to Fix Hard Water

If your home is like most in the U.S., you have hard water. It is water that contains a high concentration of minerals, which are usually mixed in groundwater as it moves through or is stored in the soil. Calcium and magnesium are the most common minerals found in hard water. While it’s not unhealthy, it can cause issues such as spots on dishes, soap scum in showers and sinks, or stiff clothes. Many people wonder how to fix hard water. These are some ways you can address the matter:

5 Ways to Fix Hard Water in the Home

1. Boil It

Boiling temporary hard water that has calcium bicarbonate can dissolve the minerals. This results in softer water. However, boiling won’t resolve permanent hardness as calcium sulfate is the mineral in question here. It can’t be removed no matter how hot the water gets.

2. Washing Soda

A chemical with sodium carbonate, washing soda can soften the water used for doing the laundry. It helps remove dissolved magnesium and calcium ions. Soaps can therefore more easily lather up and get your clothes clean. However, you can remove hard water stains using distilled white vinegar. Its acidity helps neutralize the calcium content so the stains can be cleaned out.

3. Hard Water Cleaning Formulas

These don’t treat hard water but can help wash soap away before it accumulates on surfaces. Soap scum, or lime soap, is created when hard water minerals react with chemicals in soap due to positively charged calcium atoms. These prevent soap molecules from dissolving. As a result, a white coating forms on sinks, tubs, tiles, and other surfaces. But hard water cleaners can counter the effects of calcium atoms to prevent soap scum from forming.

 4. Magnetic Water Conditioners

Using a magnetic field to alter the properties of impurities, can help with slight to moderate hardness. A magnetic water conditioner typically connects to the main water line. It doesn’t remove minerals. Instead, it makes it harder for them to stick together and form limescale, so the minerals can drain more easily.

5. Install a Water Softener

Water softeners come in different types. Some devices attach to the faucet while others install under the sink to soften water at that location. These include sodium chloride or potassium chloride-based systems that use ion exchange to swap mineral ions for chloride ions. Hard water minerals collect in the device’s chamber. Salt-free water softeners are also available. They convert mineral ions into tiny crystals that don’t attach to anything. Instead, they remain suspended in the water.

A whole house water softening system is another option. It treats water before it enters your main water supply. While this can be a costly investment, it will ensure that every water outlet, at every fixture, in every room has soft water. The best type of water softener depends on your preferences, the hardness of the water, and what you can afford.

Contact Black Hills Home Services

If you have hard water in your home and it has caused issues with your fixtures, pipes, or water heater, our team can help. We can provide solutions that resolve or prevent plumbing problems. Our licensed plumbers also specialize in installing water-saving toilets, showers, bath fixtures, kitchen/bathroom sinks, and garbage disposals. Request service online or call 888-530-7677 today to learn more.